Leader versus Boss. Who makes the difference?

'Leadership'. A lot has been written on leaders and leadership. How do you recognize a leader? What does he or she do? And what is the difference between a Leader and a Boss? I listed the differences between a Leader and a Boss. An overview in 12 points of attention.

1. What is the purpose?

  • A leader inspires and teaches others why something should be done.
  • A boss tells you what to do and controls how you do it.

2. Emotional intelligence

  • A leader is guided by the essential understanding of people and their emotions.

  • A boss is guided by knowledge.

3. Performance

  • A leader wants you to feel successful.

  • A boss wants you to perform.

4. Trust

  • A leader ensures that people themselves build trust so that they can be responsible.

  • A boss holds people accountable.

5. Self-reflection

  • A leader reflects on the impact of the passion and inspiration with which he inspires and influences people.

  • A boss reflects on the acquired power based on the title and position in the hierarchy.

6. Authority

  • A leader is (totally) not dependent on authority or position.
  • A boss is (completely) dependent on authority and position.

7. Moving forward

  • A leader focuses on what is best to do now, with a view to the long term.

  • A boss focuses on what is happening now, is reactive and focuses on the short term.

8. Decisions

  • A leader makes decisions for existence and the future. This means that every decision is ‘visionally’ supported.

  • A boss makes decisions based on the current competition. This makes every decision ad hoc.

9. Drivers

  • A leader is driven by passion and purpose.

  • A boss is driven by control and reactive action.

10. Goals

  • A leader wants people to rise above him.

  • A boss wants to be the boss.

11. Pleasure

  • A leader takes pleasure in the success of others.

  • A boss takes pleasure in his own success.

12. Communication

  • A leader creates connection and trust, so that people tell him what he needs to hear.

  • A boss makes people “fear” him so they tell him what he wants to hear.

Culture always exists between people. People are constantly on the move and cause change themselves. Every change has an impact. Culture is a temporary landing place in the midst of changes and systems. The current culture provides tools and information about the meaning that people and teams collectively give to things and events. Analyzing and understanding culture is necessary to initiate positive change. Insight and clarity as the basis for change.

Want to know more about culture, change and leadership? I’ll be happy to help you.

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